Tay Grin returns with local touch

A man without knowledge of his culture and history is like a tree without roots. Inspired with the ingeniousness of the local music legends, one Tay Grin born Limbani Kalilani has decided to rope in the past to give the urban music fraternity a new feel and touch.

Tay Grin has started to urbanize some of the local vintage songs, latest being the Lucky Stars’ 1971 classic ‘Chilipo Chinafuna m’bale’ quickly becoming a play hit of most local radio stations.

Chilipo Unafuna m’bale re-titled ‘Awe’ was played at Zanzi in Lilongwe to usher in the New Year.

“There are quite good vintage songs that have withstood the taste of time carrying vital cultural and tradition elements, which the younger generation is likely to miss if not re-done in modern style. This is why I would like to re-do some of the songs and give the world a new perspective of Malawi’s music,” explained Kalilani.

Tay Grin performing

While some may criticize, saying the two time Channel O awards nominee has lost his touch musically and thought of getting a lift through already established songs, Tay Grin brushed off the suggestions, citing Jay Z, Shaggy, 2pac and other world renowned artists who have once done a rendition of old school hits.

Unafuna m’bale is one of the songs to be featured in my 10-track album, Malawi History X to be launched in April this year. I have re-titled it ‘Awe’ and all the instruments were recorded live. This clearly shows how matured I have become with the passage of time,” he said.

Tay Grin is working with long time producer, Taps Bandawe at the Audio Vision studio.

“Special arrangements have been put in place that the original owners of the truck, the Lucky Stars, should be enjoying the loyalties,” he said.

He said the project is not an indication that he is failing to come up with his own original products, saying the trend is an internationally accepted phenomenon.

“It takes great talent and skill to re-do other peoples works. You talk of Akon, Kanye West and Jay Z, all have songs that were produced by others way back. For your own, information, my music targets the youth of Africa urging them to take pride in their nations and culture. To take responsibility, utilize their God given talents and find value in contributing to a positive and prosperous future, whilst emphasizing the need to eradicate negativity and low self,” he explained.

Tay Grin has taken the Malawian music local scene by storm since his launch of a formidable album “Proudly African” produced and mastered by Bandawe and since then, he has been receiving several nominations at Channel O music awards.

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